Emerson: It's in our hands

Barcelona and Sevilla have topped the table for much of the season, usurped by Madrid after their dramatic victory over the Andalusian outfit a few weeks ago. There they remain; though only above Barcelona on the head-to-head rule.

"We have to think in terms of Real Madrid," the Brazilian said. "Before we thought about Barcelona; now we don't [have to worry about them]."

With three matches remaining in the calendar Madrid are in pole position to secure their first title since 2003. The recent turnaround has coincided with an upturn in the fortunes of the defensively-minded Emerson, who was often left out of Capello's plans for home games because of the whistles that cascaded onto his shoulders from the stands.

"Now I feel a lot more important to the team," he continued. "It is good to see that you are fundamental to things.

"There is a lot of talk in Italy about offers [to return], but I don't know anything. I have said many times that I have two more years on my contract.

"Now is the moment to speak with teams about next season, but I am tranquil as I think about the matches that we have left to play.

"I am thinking about playing and winning the league."

Emerson followed the famous Italian boss to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer after the 'Calciopoli' scandal deposited previous club Juventus into Serie B. Despite insecurity over Capello's future at Los Merengues, the player insisted that the pair's futures are not necessarily intertwined.

"I have a contract with Real Madrid, not with the coach," he commented. "He brought me here, but I have to think about the team, not only about whether Capello leaves or not. I do not know what [Capello's] thoughts are.

"If we win the league it will be a relief after everything we have gone through. I think that we have suffered a lot.

"But I don't know the things that are passing through his head about his future."

Madrid are at home to Deportivo at the weekend, while Barca host Getafe and Sevilla welcome Zaragoza to the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Jonathan Symcox